Reading the Eater coverage of the number of NYC restaurants still closed because of Hurricane Sandy boggles the mind. So many classic, priceless destinations. Hundreds of years of New York history. All hanging in the balance. It's a cultural catastrophe.
The list of closures made me think of the wonderful times I've had at many of these restaurants and bars. An alarming number of the victims are former "Who Goes There?" subjects, including Randazzo's Clam Bar in Sheepshead Bay, Gargiulo's in Coney Island, and Capsouto Freres in Tribeca, not to mention favorites like Totonno's pizzeria and Sunny's Bar. If you have the time, take a look at these past columns and remember what's great and irreplaceable about these places. Then, when they manage to reopen, patronize them. Order a lot of food and leave big tips.
You're so right, Brooks! Not only have the owners taken a huge hit, but so have the employees. Even with unemployment benefits they are sure to feel that a big chunk of their lives has been uprooted. Here's hoping that all of these small businesses make it back and when they do you can bet I'll make a point of eating there!!
ReplyDeleteSad. Some of these restaurants will reopen, but others won't. My prediction: any restaurant which is holding a fundraiser is done for good.
ReplyDeletePeter